7 Attributes of a Great Library

There are so many things that make a Library great.  So my list of 7 are just a few of my top favorites that I see in Libraries from a design perspective.  That doesn't mean these 7 are all design related; just that in designing Libraries as long as I have, these are common denominators in some of the really great ones I've had the privilege to see or be a part of.

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7 ATTRIBUTES OF A GREAT LIBRARY

 #1 - A STRONG COMMUNITY PRESENCE

I truly believe that every community not only deserves a Library, but that it should be a place OF community.  This is the place where people can go to learn new things, discover ideas and notions of places they've never been and people they've never met.  The vast amount of information a Library contains is often limitless; especially when you take into account all the outside Library connections for obtaining materials not found in one Library or another.

The Public Library is just that; for the public.  This means knowing the people in your community and cultivating an inviting environment that keeps them coming back and using the Library to their full advantage.  As many of you know, that sometimes means asking them what they use their Library for.  Or asking them what they wish they could use their Library for.  Is your Public Library meeting as many of the community needs as possible?  Obviously you can't meet them all, if for no other reason than budget.  But showing them you're making every possible effort to do so, might just be enough to express how much you do care about your community.

#2 - A SENSE OF HISTORY

I would venture to say that most Libraries, if not all of them, have an extensive amount of history.  Even a brand new Library has a sense of roots that tell the story of the regional Library system that Library is a part of.  One of the best things I've seen in the best Libraries is their ability to communicate that history and tell those stories, no matter what they look like.  Not all history is spotless, but our it plays a huge part in building who we are.  

This is another great way to work with attribute #1 as well.  Making sure your community knows the history of their Library and the area they inhabit, is a great way to keep all generations connected on a personal level.  So find ways to display historical photos, texts and memories.  This doesn't have to be a constant thing.  Perhaps this is a program you put together at specific times during the year.  However it works for you, don't forget your history.

#3 - A PLACE FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Again with community, I know.  But this one has become pretty important; especially in recent years.  Whether it's just a place for someone to be able to type up a resume on one of the public computers, or a study room where someone can put together a Vlog.  People are looking for great looking buildings with ample resources to grow their businesses and professional lives.

#4 - A HISTORY AND GENEALOGY SECTION

This doesn't have to be a huge area, but I think if you'll add one (assuming you haven't done so already) you'll find you're running out of room quicker than you would imagine.  EVERY single Library I've helped design has asked for a space to be carved out in their space plans for a history and genealogy section.  People like to know where they come from.  They are looking for a sense of belonging in ways that have possibly not been experienced before.  I can see that in the every day comings and goings of our societal norms.  Giving people a place to go where they can do their research, spread out their findings and learn more about their past is a pretty big selling point for your Library.  And did I mention how inviting that is for your local community?

#5 - GREAT COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Be able to really hear your patrons and understand their needs.  And in doing that, you'll hopefully be able to communicate more effectively.  They're looking for information.  That's what the Library is really all about at its core.  So making sure your staff has excellent communication skills is a must.  And know that communication is not easy for everyone and quite frankly is different from person to person.  Whether in language barriers or even through social emotional cues.  Being able to bring on a diverse team of communicators can be super helpful for the success of your Library.

#6 - STRONG YOUTH PROGRAMS

Everyone knows that the future of your organization is in your youth.  Show your young people that they matter and that you have programs and tools for them to use that draw them in, and you'll have lifelong Library goers.  And those young people will one day bring their own littles in for local Library visits.  

#7 - TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF YOUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

That Library isn't going to run all by itself.  Do your best to carve out spaces in your Library for staff and volunteers to make their own in some way.  That's not always easy.  Believe me, I know all about that part of the design process.  And if you have the luxury of renovating, or better yet, designing a new building from scratch, do your best to create areas that will serve them too.  Office space where it's necessary is a good place to start.  But also staff restrooms, breakrooms, and secure areas to store personal belongings.  It means more to them than you might realize.  So do what you can, when you can.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Again, these are certainly not the only things you can do to make a great Library, but they're good places to begin and I see them on a regular basis in my best Libraries.  And of course, that's going to require one heck of a Library Director that knows how to steer the ship.  And let me just say, I've known some of the best of those too.